LOSING her father at a young age and experiencing the challenges that followed taught Miss Grace Road Keren Koroi that there is always hope, regardless of the circumstances.
The 21-year-old, who hails from Tuvuca Island in Vanuabalavu, Lau, with maternal links to Lomaiviti, is a final-year land surveying student at Fiji National University.
Ms Koroi said her experiences, including her mother’s journey through widowhood, raising three kids alone and later remarriage, shaped her decision to advocate for hope through mental health awareness.
“That is exactly why I am advocating for hope through mental health awareness, because I believe that a healthy mind is a healthier you,” she said.
Ms Koroi said she entered the Miss Hibiscus contest to overcome her fear of being seen and use her voice to encourage others to face their own fears.
“I entered it because I want to face that fear.”
She said she had also experienced anxiety, suicidal thoughts and other mental health struggles while in high school.
Ms Koroi said motivational speakers helped her during that period, with advice from Steve Harvey also influencing her decision to pursue land surveying.
She said she chose the field because she loved drawing, mathematics and the outdoors.
Ms Koroi encouraged young women who were undecided about their future to pursue their interests.
“Go for it. What are you waiting for? There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
She said the biggest obstacle could be a person’s own mind and encouraged young people to believe in themselves.
